| 1 | My brethren , be not many masters , knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation . |
| 2 | For in many things we offend all . If any man offend not in word , the same [is] a perfect man , [and] able also to bridle the whole body . |
| 3 | Behold , we put bits in the horses ' mouths , that they may obey us ; and we turn about their whole body . |
| 4 | Behold also the ships , which though [they be] so great , and [are] driven of fierce winds , yet are they turned about with a very small helm , whithersoever the governor listeth . |
| 5 | Even so the tongue is a little member , and boasteth great things . Behold , how great a matter a little fire kindleth ! |
| 6 | And the tongue [is] a fire , a world of iniquity : so is the tongue among our members , that it defileth the whole body , and setteth on fire the course of nature ; and it is set on fire of hell . |
| 7 | For every kind of beasts , and of birds , and of serpents , and of things in the sea , is tamed , and hath been tamed of mankind : |
| 8 | But the tongue can no man tame ; [it is] an unruly evil , full of deadly poison . |
| 9 | Therewith bless we God , even the Father ; and therewith curse we men , which are made after the similitude of God . |
| 10 | Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing . My brethren , these things ought not so to be . |
| 11 | Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet [water] and bitter ? |
| 12 | Can the fig tree , my brethren , bear olive berries ? either a vine , figs ? so [can] no fountain both yield salt water and fresh . |
| 13 | Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you ? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom . |
| 14 | But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts , glory not , and lie not against the truth . |
| 15 | This wisdom descendeth not from above , but [is] earthly , sensual , devilish . |
| 16 | For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work . |
| 17 | But the wisdom that is from above is first pure , then peaceable , gentle , [and] easy to be intreated , full of mercy and good fruits , without partiality , and without hypocrisy . |
| 18 | And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace . |
